... Coming in way at the end, but have been following this thread since it started...
And before I go any further I must state up front that I am 31 and never-married so I don't have much real-life experience, but I have observed many others in their relationships.
I read a great article by an automotive writer named Norm Mort, who writes up here in Ontario. He made a point that a strong marriage is far more important than having your favourite classic car. He goes as far as to say that if the classic car is ultimately going to get in the way of your marriage the car should go, in the long term the marriage is far more important (because as many of you can likely attest to, a marriage breakup is messy). He also talks about how ex-wives hold the classic car almost as ransom (again maybe some of you have experienced this). I tend to agree with him, and from the sounds of it some of you would likely concur. But it is only my opinion, feel free to disagree.
Following up on that point, assuming you have a wife/partner who will tolerate your hobby, watch how you spend your time. Don't spend too much time in the garage, so your family doesn't know who you are (unless your wife and/or kids like helping you and are able to a bit). I've heard some people I know suggest putting off a full-scale restoration until after the children are grown up, and if you want a classic badly enough at that point purchase a "driver" that the family can actually enjoy. And try to involve your family in your car club, many are family friendly - I know mine is.
And... if you can pull it off... find a partner who loves cars as much you do (a rare find!). In our club, the family that edits our newsletter are heavily into Mini's, and both husband and wife are both equally bonkers over them.
[ 03-31-2003: Message edited by: Sherlock ]</p>